Arsenal ‘humbled’ Manchester City by 5-1 last gameweek and were looking forward to giving Liverpool a serious run for money for the title race. But now, in a massive blow to Mikel Arteta’s plans, Kai Havertz is reported to be out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
This is beyond shocking for the Spaniard as well as the Gunners. Kai was the Arsenal no.9 with form at his side — 15 goals and 5 assists in all competitions from 34 games. The German struck a 12-point-haul in double gameweek 24, scoring one and setting up another against Pep’s City at Emirates.
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Arsenal and Arteta. Throughout the January transfer window, there were cries for a new attacker, especially a no.9 but when the deadline day shut shop there were no incomings, forget an attacking player.
The Spanish gaffer himself expressed his disappointment over Arsenal’s transfer business in the winter window. Arsenal went for Villa’s Ollie Watkins but the bid was rejected from Villa Park.
Therefore, the 25-year-old forward was realistically the only one to lead the line. Ethan Nwaneri has shown promise with occasional brilliance from limited opportunities but it seemed too much to ask him to play as the no.9, week in, week out.
Now, with the transfer window closed in England, Arteta can only scan the list of academy graduates to add more options to his arsenal. He may also look up to Leandro Trossard, the PL veteran who arrived from Brighton two years ago. Ethan Nwaneri was already having his memorable cameos.
Just a few days back, we argued that Kai Havertz would be a solid pick in fantasy at the moment, as Arsenal faces Leicester City next followed by West Ham United. His xGI of 0.54 per 90’ made it sensible to transfer-in the Germany international before double gameweek 25. However, his season appears over and out now.
If you own the German striker, offload him right away. He is an immediate-sell at the moment, as his price will experience a free-fall soon.
